“We discuss leadership with the entire team and the player’s leadership council on an ongoing basis,” Lembo said. “As far back as the start of the spring semester, I asked the players, assistant coaches and support staff to consider who our most visible leaders should be for the 2014 season. I greatly appreciate all the consideration they put into this important decision. We have had some excellent captains the last three seasons and I am sure this group will meet the high expectations that have been established.”

Edwards, a senior running back, was a All-Mid-American Conference Second Team choice last season after setting the Ball State career record for rushing touchdowns (39) despite being only a junior. Edwards has 12 career games with 100 or more yards rushing and is only the sixth player in Ball State history to rush for 3,000 or more yards in a career and now has 3,306.

Ingle, a junior linebacker, was a 2013 All-MAC Second Team selection after starting 11 games last season. Ingle has tallied 128 career tackles and has added one interception and one sack for the Cardinals in his first three seasons.

Jones started 12 games in 2013 and has made 18 career starts in his first three seasons. The senior safety had a career high 13 tackles vs. Toledo and has managed 164 in his career. Jones also registered his first career sack in 2013 and has one career interception.

As a defensive end, Miles started 12 games last season and managed 42 tackles with five sacks a year ago. Miles tallied his first career fumble recovery at Akron and his first career blocked kick at Eastern Michigan last season.

Richard, a junior center, was a 2013 All-MAC Third Team selection. He started 12 games last season and has started 16 games in his career. Richard began his Ball State career as a walk-on for the Cardinals in 2011.

“It has been very beneficial to have our captains in place prior to the start of summer workouts,” Lembo said. “This gives them an opportunity to work closely with strength coach Dave Feeley and allows them to take ownership of the team before preseason camp begins. It is also important our new players have some veteran leaders to connect with when they arrive for the bridge program in the second summer session.”

Ball State, which finished the 2013 campaign with a 10-3 overall record and an appearance in the GoDaddy Bowl, will open the 2014 season Aug. 30 at home vs. Colgate.